My research interests lie in the intersection of three fields of neuroscience; from neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to preclinical investigation of cell therapy applied to the progressive model of Parkinson's disease (low-dose mptp).My studies in neuroanatomy are concerned with inter-areal connectivity and brain networks' basic characteristics comprehension. I use the chronic-EEG technique to seek for neurophysiological correlates of cognitive integration and more precisely performance monitoring during instrumental conditioning. Finally, I exploit the chronic low-dose mptp protocol to model the pre-symptomatic phase of Parkinson's disease. Aim of this study is to identify and characterize early neurophysiological markers of the cognitive decline accompanying the disease. Further aim is to verify the impact of cellular therapy on such markers and the potential for cell grafting to restore cognitive capacities and a normal functioning of frontal cortex.These latter investigations form part of the core translational project of the SBRI recruiting all five teams of the institute.
